PHILIPSBURG:---  SMFC would like inform the general public of the change in location for the Farmers Market, which will now be held at the Rupert Maynard Community Center in St Peters.
SMFC would like to thank the general public for supporting the Farmers Market over pass 6 months. Your support demonstrated that the community embraces the need for agricultural development and positive social engagement.
The Farmers Market continues to confirm to us that the demand for fresh quality produce and locally produced products is on the rise. It also highlighted the need for more positive social activity in our communities that both our seniors and youngsters can enjoy.
The relocation of the next Farmers Market to the Community Center in St Peters will offer community members access to more parking, restrooms, and a bit more space for children to run around.
This weekend, SMFC Farmers Market will offer a wide variety of produce and products from dedicated community farmers and product developers. A variety of items will be available, such as fresh cold press juices, banana bread, baked jonny cakes with chickpeas, coco sticks, coconut oil, fresh eggs, veggie soup, plants, and gardening materials.

Fresh Produce available this week from our local and regional farmers will be season peppers, cherry tomatoes, avocado, plantain, carrots, yams, eggplant, pumpkin, cucumbers, sweet potato, papaya, pineapple lettuce, salad mix, callaloo, tyarblad, basil, mint, lemon grass and bayleaf.
SMFC continues to network with its farming partners local and regional to increase its crop production and balance off consumer cost by allowing quality goods to be directly distributed to community members cutting additional cost.
SMFC continues to extend its wholehearted gratitude to community members that support the Farmers Market, We are truly grateful to be a part of the positive and sustainable change agriculture can bring to our communities.
SMFC Looks forward to the continuous enhancement of the Farmers Market Place experience for community members and visitors to enjoy. SMFC also thanks Mr Athill Browne for allowing us the space and time to make this vision a reality for the community…
See you on Saturday, Jan 25, 2025, from 9 am to 2 pm, at the Rupert Maynard Community Center, St Peters.
**About St Maarten Farmers Cooperative (SMFC):**
The St Maarten Farmers Cooperative (SMFC), a proactive committee of ECO St Maarten Agricultural Research and Development Center Foundation is a collective of local farmers and skillful community member dedicated to enhancing the production and distribution of agricultural products on the island. By pooling resources and expertise, the SMFC aims to promote sustainable farming practices, support local economies and provide the community with fresh high-quality produce and agro-processed products as we Thrive for the Balance of life together.
For more information on SMFC follows us on FB or feel free to send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, held a significant meeting today with representatives from Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP) SXM and the Regulatory Authority Caribbean (RAC) to discuss ongoing initiatives aimed at providing relief to the people of Sint Maarten grappling with high GEBE electricity bills.

The meeting included:
• Ms. Judianne Hoeve, Interim Director of BTP SXM
• Mr. Ryan Wijngaarden, Chief Corporate Development Officer of BTP SXM
• Mr. Curt Belfor, CEO of RAC
• Mr. Edwin Bogert, Chief Corporate Officer of RAC
• Ms. Zariona Martijn, Senior Market Regulator at RAC

The discussion focused on exploring strategic avenues for easing the financial burden on households and businesses resulting from GEBE electricity costs. This includes evaluating options within the telecommunications and utilities sectors as part of a collaborative effort to address this pressing issue. The meeting also served to provide the Prime Minister with an update on the broader work being undertaken by BTP SXM and RAC in line with their memorandum of understanding.

The delegation shared insights from prior consultations with Seven Seas and outlined their plans to engage other critical stakeholders, including utilities provider GEBE, SOL, The Harbour of Sint Maarten, the Tax Office, the Ministries of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT), Finance, and Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA).

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina highlighted the government’s commitment to easing the financial strain on the people of Sint Maarten. “The rising cost of electricity is a significant challenge for our citizens, and we are committed to exploring every possible avenue to bring relief,” stated the Prime Minister. “This partnership between BTP SXM and RAC is a vital step in identifying sustainable solutions that align with our commitment to economic resilience and social well-being.”

The Prime Minister commended the proactive approach of BTP SXM and RAC in engaging a wide range of stakeholders to address the complex dynamics of the electricity crisis. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to finding actionable solutions that will positively impact the lives of the people of Sint Maarten.

Further updates on the progress of these discussions and proposed measures will be shared in due course. The government remains committed to prioritizing initiatives that deliver tangible benefits for the community, particularly in reducing the cost of living and enhancing quality of life.

PHILIPSBURG:--- An alleyway is being transformed as part of Be The Change Foundation (BTC), the @ColorMeSXM initiative. Twenty-two murals have been added to Philipsburg by local and regional artists since the project’s inception in 2020.

“This alleyway project will feature our largest mural yet, spanning over 210m²! @ColorMeSXM is our way of uplifting Philipsburg, showcasing the talents of local and regional artists, and creating a unique activity for residents and visitors through a self-guided map. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from artists, the community, and grant agencies,” said BTC’s Project Coordinator Laura Bijnsdorp.

The upcoming transformation is executed in collaboration with Plastic Free SXM, an initiative to reduce single-use plastics on the island through community action and legislative reform. Plastic Free SXM is executed by the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) on behalf of the Government of St. Maarten and supported by the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France.

Artists Nascha Kagie and Daphne Prevoo will take the lead in designing the large mural depicting a fantastical underwater world while highlighting the environmental threats of plastic pollution. "However, to complete the mural, we will need a lot of helpful and creative volunteers, as this is a massive project," shared Nascha & Daphne. Interested volunteers can follow Plastic Free SXM on Instagram & Facebook - where the volunteer opportunities will be posted, as well as on www.volunteer.sx.

The designated alleyway for this project, Afloopsteeg, located next to Seaview Beach Hotel, will first undergo cleaning, preparation, and base-layer painting under the guidance of LICCOM Construction, a key partner in the initiative. “We are proud to contribute to this community project, enhancing Philipsburg through art, and eagerly anticipate the final result,” shared Henk Van den Heuvel, Director of LICCOM Construction. Other key supporters include the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, and Philipsburg community and business representatives.

The mural is expected to be completed over the next several weeks, with opportunities for community members to assist the artists during the process. Updates on the project will be shared on Facebook (Be The Change Foundation) and Instagram (@ColorMeSXM).

For more information about Plastic Free SXM visit @plasticfreesxm (Facebook & Instagram) or www.plasticfree.sx.

RESEMBID is a 47-project programme that supports sustainable human development efforts in 12 Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) – Aruba, Anguilla, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Montserrat, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Barthélemy, Sint Maarten, and Turks and Caicos.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) invites all eligible micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take advantage of the final opportunity to apply for grants and low-interest loans through the Enterprise Support Project (ESP). Applications will be accepted from midnight on February 1st to 5 pm on February 7th, 2025, marking the last phase of this significant initiative.
Since its launch in 2020, the ESP has disbursed over $19 million in financial support, assisting nearly 300 local businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, and transportation. This assistance has boosted innovation, supported job creation, and strengthened economic growth throughout Sint Maarten. With the majority of the project’s funding already disbursed, this final application window represents the last opportunity for eligible businesses to benefit from the project’s resources. Funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands, the ESP has worked in partnership with local banks and training institutions to provide resources for long-term success.
As the project enters its final phase, applicants should be aware that this is the last opportunity to apply, and it is imperative to take note of significant changes. Applications will only be accepted during this limited time, from midnight on February 1st to 5 pm on February 7th, 2025. Submissions received outside of this timeframe, including incomplete or late submissions, will not be considered. Additionally, as previously announced, on December 18th, 2024, transportation businesses are no longer eligible for funding. This decision reflects the program’s commitment to distributing funds equitably, following the allocation of nearly $4 million to the transportation sector. Financing for vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and construction vehicles, is no longer available. Businesses that have already received funding are not eligible to apply again.
Although the financial support component of the ESP is concluding, the project remains committed to supporting Sint Maarten’s small businesses through enterprise and development initiatives. With financial assistance from ESP, the Small Business Academy by Qredits, and the Entrepreneurship Development Program by the Sint Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Centre (endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications) will continue to provide valuable resources for entrepreneurs who are looking to strengthen and grow their businesses.
Eligible businesses are encouraged to prepare their applications thoroughly to ensure compliance with the requirements outlined on the NRPB’s website. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis during the designated submission window.
For additional information, applicants may consult the detailed guidelines and FAQs available at www.nrpbsxm.org/esp. Questions or feedback can be directed to the ESP team via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Enterprise Support Project is part of the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands, managed by the World Bank, and implemented by the NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten.